Brand it like Beckham

England captain David Beckham yesterday launched a range of young boys' clothing which he helped design - but claimed he did not have a choice about what to wear when he was a youngster.

"I always wanted to look nice and cool," said the Manchester United midfielder. "But I got told what to wear by my mum and dad."

The father-of-two is reported to have signed a deal worth between $5.66 and $8.5 million with Marks & Spencer, part of which includes lending his name to the new DB07 collection and helping create garments.

Amid tight security, the Manchester United star was joined by youngsters modelling the exclusive range of boys' clothing in the Cathedral gardens in Manchester city centre.

The range, available in British stores from September 21, is designed for boys aged four to 16 and prices start from $9.");document.write("

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At a question-and-answer session after the official launch, Beckham said: "I've always been into clothes, whether good or bad, and it interested me working with M&S and doing the kids' range.

"I think I appeal more to younger children than to older ones."

Asked who were the fashion icons when he was a youngster, the footballer said: "Around that era, I think it was Kevin Keegan making the headlines with his style."